For example one might ask, what is the purpose of this fence, why do I want to install it? There are many reasons for a fence: security, privacy, safety, aesthetic value, keep your dog in or the neighbor’s dog out, to hide your neighbors junk, or your junk from your neighbors, and the list goes on. Whatever your reasons are for purchasing a fence, here are a few observations to help you distinguish the differences of a few available fence types.
Block Fence
A true block fence 6″ or 8″ is a good choice and solves almost all of the reasons for a fence. Although you better get your pocket book out because a well built block fence is going to cost you big time and if you don’t do it right then don’t bother, it will not last. Block fences have a reputation of being poorly constructed unless you pay the big bucks to have it done right. Not convinced? Go try and shake the top section of a cheap block wall installed by a track home builder, I bet you’ll find a couple of loose blocks there at the top just waiting to pop out.Wood Fence
If you have a very limited budget, don’t care how your fence looks and don’t mind replacing it down the road, which is a pretty short road, go ahead and purchase the wood fence. However, don’t forget about the detours in your journey of sanding, painting and staining with the choice of a wood fence.Iron Fence
Iron fence solves many of the above reasons for a fence except of course the privacy issue. You should also plan on repainting and replacing it down that same road as the wood fence, sooner if you are in a high moister area or it is subject to lawn sprinklers. Why you ask? A little thing called rust and corrosion, no matter how much its powder coated or whatever else, your iron fence will eventually rust.Chain Link Fence
Chain link fence is not worth discussing, if you are considering chain link you are probably in charge of a lot of people wearing uniforms with strips, or you probably can’t read this at all. Although there may be some of you out there who just don’t care about what the fence looks like and in that case chain link would be a good choice.Vinyl Fence
A vinyl fence is a good choice for any of the above reasons for a fence. You have your privacy fence, view fence, pool fence, 3 rail, and picket fence. You can solve all your issues without the maintenance issues with the other types of fences. You also have the advantage of building pergolas and arbors and gazebos all out of the same material that complement each other.Is a fence a fence? Actually a fence is really a fence no matter what it’s made of, but there are certainly advantages and disadvantages of one type over the other. The choice is yours. Please do your own research and find out for yourself which fence would be best for you and your family. A good way to find information on a particular fence your interested in is to present your questions to someone who owns that fence. Ask about maintenance and cost, along with what they like or dislike about their choice and experience.
